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What is Retrofitting?

The word Retrofit means to apply new technologies to an older system. Retrofit is a process of adding some new features that were not there before. Retrofitting in the construction industry refers to the re-strengthening of the existing structures to make them seismic resistant. Retrofitting is an economic approach to increase the life span of an existing structure rather than redeveloping it.

Jacketing is a method of structural retrofitting and strengthening It is used to increase bearing load capacity following a modification of the structural design or to restore structural design integrity due to a failure in the structural member. This technique is used on vertical surfaces such as walls, columns, and other combinations such as beam sides and bottoms.

It consists of added concrete with longitudinal and transverse reinforcement around the existing column. Jacketing is the process whereby a section of an existing structural member is restored to its original dimensions or increased in size by encasement using suitable materials. A steel reinforcement cage or composite material wrap can be constructed around the damaged section onto which shotcrete or cast-in-place concrete is placed.

Jacketing is particularly used for the repair of deteriorated columns, piers, and piles and may easily be employed in underwater applications. The method is applicable for protecting concrete, steel, and timber sections against further deterioration and for strengthening. Jacketing improves axial and shear strength of columns and a major strengthening of the foundation may be avoided.

When is jacketing needed?

Jacketing is the process of strengthening weak RCC columns that have deteriorated over time due to adverse atmospheric conditions or poor maintenance of the structure. Other reasons during the construction phase include design errors, deficient concrete productions, bad execution process. During the service life, the need may arise due to an earthquake; an accident, such as collisions, fire, explosions; situations involving changes in the structure functionality; the development of more demanding code requirements.

  • The load carried by the column is increased.
  • When there is an error in design.
  • Deterioration of column due to weathering action.
  • Dilapidation of columns.
  • Heavy damage due to other causes like earthquakes and fire.

Advantages of jacketing

  1. It increases the seismic capacity of columns.
  2. The amount of work is less as foundation strengthening is not required.
  3. It increases the shear strength of the column.
  4. It also increases the confinement of concrete in circular columns.
  5. Does not increase the significant weight of the column and also saves construction time (curing).

Different types of jacketing

  1. Reinforced concrete jacketing

2. Steel jacketing

3. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) jacketing

4. Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Jacketing

5. Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Jacketing

6. Hybrid Jacketing

7. Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Wire Jacketing

Click Here To See What Is Micro Concrete, Areas And Method Of Application

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